The glass container industry’s key indicators in North America remained generally stable between 2017 and 2018, with continued opportunities for growth in 2019 in the spirits, food and craft beverages markets.

The folding carton industry prides itself on steady growth and stable earnings, much of which is based on the fact that most paper-based packaging is used for consumer staples. Nearly 60 percent of all paperboard packaging is destined for food product segments.

The Independent Carton Group (ICG) reports that, despite continued consolidation in the folding carton industry, business growth among its membership remains strong. This is evidenced by the significant investments that ICG members continue to make in their own operations and the strength of their collective buying power.

OMAC’s initiative to improve HMI usability and reduce operator training is moving to the next phase. As part of its efforts to develop a PackML HMI Implementation Guide, OMAC conducted a usability survey during PACK EXPO International last October. The evaluation challenged participants to complete a series of tasks on three different HMI designs.

Based in Schio, Italy, ValTara's founder Louis Taraborelli comes full circle, having started his career in Italy over 40 years ago as a importer distributor in America of some of the largest Italian packaging brands at the time.

For the first time ever, Gerhard Schubert GmbH took part in the Factory of the Year 2018 competition, and its Crailsheim site was awarded the top prize. 

As production facilities continue to be challenged by smaller batch runs, higher OEE requirements and skilled labor shortages, there is a desire for simpler, more flexible equipment. One way to achieve more flexibility is by addressing the time, tools and parts needed to implement changeovers.